Indonesia held by Sri Lanka
Sep 9, 2004 - FootballAsia.com

Peter Withe’s reign as Indonesia coach got off to inauspicious start as his side were held to a 2-2 draw by Sri Lanka in Wednesday’s night’s Group 8 Asian qualifier for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

The dropped points mean Saudi Arabia, who beat Turkmenistan 1-0 on Wednesday, have secured their place in next year’s Final Round of qualifiers.

With, the former Thailand coach, must have been disappointed to see his charges race into a two-goal lead only to throw the lead away in the last 10 minutes of the game.

The 2002 Tiger Cup finalists took the lead after seven minutes through Ilham Jayakesuma, who capped his first appearance in for his country with a goal on debut.

The home side recovered from the blow and dominated the remainder of the half.

Indonesia doubled their lead in the 51st minute when the Sri Lanka keeper fumbled Ismed Sofyan’s free-kick and the ball dropped over the line.

Sri Lanka reduced the arrears 10 minutes from time through the team’s skipper, Dudley Steinwall.

And a minute later, the home side were level thanks to GPR Karunartne’S effort.

Withe will be hoping to pick his side up for next month’s game against Saudi Arabia and the Tiger Cup, in December.